Andy Dalton's excited to see Tyler Eifert getting back to his usual self

The Cincinnati Bengals took a roll of the dice this offseason on bringing back Tyler Eifert.

Andy Dalton couldn’t be happier.

Eifert battled two injuries last year before missing most of the season and having another operation on his back. But as Dalton told the media, the worst seems to be over and most in the locker room realize Eifert is close to 100 percent again.

“He’s obviously been limited still. But he’s put in the work and you can tell he’s getting back to where he was and so I think once we actually get to get some team reps and things I think everybody will be happy with where he’s at.”

Eifert’s doctor sent out a positive note before his trip to free agency, so his eventual recovery wasn’t in doubt.

His staying healthy is.

Eifert being able to stay on the field is key for all and perhaps the Bengals’ chances outright. It’s no coincidence his 13-touchdown outburst in as many games in 2015 turned out to be Dalton’s best year as a pro.

Conversely, Eifert’s playing eight and two games over the past two seasons happens to coincide with a dramatic dip in Dalton’s play.

Barring an unexpected outbreak from a John Ross, the Bengals’ passing attack will go as Eifert goes in 2018. Dalton sounds confident and the tight end’s recovery seems on schedule, though the bigger questions won’t be answered until Week 1 and beyond.